The following rules are for the state contest only. Students/Teams that qualify for the national contest need to adhere to the rules
and guidelines for that national contest. The rules can be found in the Skills USA Championships Technical Standards available
from SkillsUSA Publication Sales. For both state and national contests, you should also watch for contest updates sent from the
Wisconsin SkillsUSA state office. For national contests, you can find contest updates at the national SkillsUSA website.
TELEVISION (VIDEO) PRODUCTION
PURPOSE
To evaluate each contestant’s preparation for employment in the television/video industry,
and to recognize outstanding students for excellence and professionalism in the field of
television/video production.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
People entering this contest must follow all rules listed below as well as the “General
Regulations” of the Wisconsin Skills Championships. The “General Regulations” can be
found at: http://www.skillsusa-wi.org/conferenceGuideLine.html. You will be held
accountable for knowing and following all rules and guidelines of the Wisconsin Skills
Championships.
CLOTHING REQUIREMENT
SkillsUSA blazer, sweater, windbreaker or Official SkillsUSA White Polo and accompanying
official dress or professional business attire.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to a team of two active SkillsUSA members enrolled in a career and technical
education (CTE) program with television or video production as the occupational objective.
EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
Supplied by the contestant:
a. A camera system capable of recording video and outputting video, s-video, or fire wire
IEEE-1394)
b. One blank Mini-DV tape, flash drive, hard drive or other system for storing your project
video. You will need to have this blank media (system) inspected during the pre-
contest briefing.
c. One blank Mini-DV tape or DVD for your final project submission. The final
submission must be able to be played on either a) a Mini-DV capable camera or deck
or b) a DVD player as a DVD or Video CD. Bring this to the pre-contest briefing.
d. A nonlinear editing system of your choice capable of editing your video and recording
it onto a Mini-DV tape or a DVD/Video CD. Include all necessary power strips and
extension chords. There will be time available to set up your systems prior to the
contest. A nonlinear system can be as simple as a pc and installed software such as
Adobe Premier Elements (PC) or I-Movie (Mac).
e. A wired or wireless microphone (optional). This equipment can be used by the actors
during filming and / or commentator during editing.
f. A tripod or monopod (optional). Use of this item will enhance steadiness and
necessary height.
g. Reflectors or battery powered lights (optional), AC powered lights are not allowed.
WISCONSIN SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 1 Revised January, 2010
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
h. Musical selections or sound effects (optional)
i. Must show proof of it being no copy-written material, (i.e., letter, certificate, print-
out, etc.). Can compose background music using inexpensive software. This
music can be brought to the competition and approved during the pre-contest
briefing. If student composed the software used must be brought and its use
demonstrated by the team to verify its composition.
ii. See sites like Music Bakery www.musicbakery.com as source and copyright
license information.
i. Please Note: Nonlinear editing software may come free with some systems, can be
downloaded as free trial (ex. Adobe Premier Elements) or is available as share ware
in Linux based Ubuntu. Your team needs to determine if the system you choose can
produce a product that is accurate to the second of time.
SCOPE OF THE CONTEST
The contest is defined by industry standards as set by the current industry technical
standards committee. The contest will be divided into three portions:
1. 60 second pre-contest video completed by a team of 2 & brought to the contest,
2. written exam
3. Video assignment to be completed in teams of 2 that will assess knowledge in industry
standards.
Knowledge Performance
The contest will include a written exam to be taken individually covering basic video
knowledge. Both teammates’ scores will be averaged together on the score sheet. If one
teammate is unable to take the test the remaining member’s score will be averaged with a
zero to determine value.
Skill Performance
The contest will include two video assignments to be completed by a team of two student
members from the same school and same division. One assignment, the Pre-Contest Video
will be completed by the student team before the competition and submitted during the
contest briefing. The second assignment will be explained during the contest briefing.
Basically it will consist of a 60 second commercial with a theme and purpose that will guide
the team as they complete their outline, storyboard, videography skills at a designated site
and editing to produce a final product.
1. Each contestant team shall consist of two students.
2. The contest will consist of three components: a video produced and edited by the students which
they bring to the contest, a written test and a video that will be shot and edited at the contest site.
3. Pre-Contest Video (60-second - required) 22.5 % of team score
a. The video assignment to be completed by a team of two students who will produce a 60
second video that promotes one of the following:
i. The positive aspects of a specific vocational technical training program
ii. The positive aspects of a specific vocational technical department
iii. The positive aspects of SkillsUSA
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TECHNICAL STANDARDS
b. The video can use any theme as long as it supports the purpose and provides a tool that
can be used to:
i. Recruit students to enroll in your school, enroll in your training program, or join
SkillsUSA.
ii. Recruit employers and volunteers from business, industry, and labor to support our
organization by donating their time and / or resources for local and / or state
SkillsUSA Championships.
iii. Win support for vocational technical education from other important target audiences
such as educators, parents, and / or political leaders.
c. Each team shall submit their edited Mini-DV tape or DVD/ VideoCD at the contest briefing
session. The tape / disk should be produced and edited according to the requirements
explained below.
d. The edited video shall be 60 seconds in length. A penalty will be assessed for tapes shorter
than 55 seconds or longer than 65 seconds.
e. The video submission should include a story board that relates to the program. It can be
hand written and show some evidence that it was used to develop the promotional program.
The story board does not have to have every detail and word spoken but should provide an
outline that provided direction in the shooting and editing of the final product. The technical
committee should be able to use this storyboard as a checklist while viewing each team’s
submission.
f. The video should consist of live video and voice audio recorded by the contestant team.
The preceding video and audio may be edited with computer-generated graphics/title along
with material available from Wisconsin DPI or Wisconsin or National SkillsUSA. No other
copyrighted material may be included in the finished product.
g. The contestants are Required to follow the national contest requirements for this
competition which include:
i. Completed video submitted will be on Mini-DV tape (NTSC-29.97fps Aspect
ratio=4:3, Audio=16 bit/48khz). Students should be able to do this without
assistance.
ii. SP only, no LP (90min) mode.
iii. No HDTV, HDV, 24fps. NTSC format only.
iv. Export Format must have
1. Beginning10 seconds of Slate Color with text (“TV Production Skills”, Team #),
(Team Name for “Pre-Video”)
2. 10 seconds black,
3. Video 60 seconds (Penalty for +/- 5 seconds)
a. The length will be measured from black to black.
4. Ending with 30 seconds black.
v. Teams not adhering to these technical standards at the national contest will be
disqualified.
4. Written Test: (10% of total score. – Multiple Choice) as part of the TV Production Contest
there will be a written test for each team member. This test will be based on the core content
that will likely be found in any secondary TV/Video Production program. But due to a variety
of textbook / instructional materials that may able used at different programs / schools we
want to insure that all student teams have an equal base of knowledge. To that end we are
pulling questions from a resource that every student team has access to:
http://www.CyberCollege.com/tvp_ind.htm.
a. We are pulling questions from the specific units listed below. There is on-line text
available for each unit as well as practice quizzes. You are welcome to use this
resource as a means of preparation for the written test. (Thanks to Dr. Ron Whittaker
for extending permission to use this resource for the SkillsUSA TV/Video Production
Contest)
WISCONSIN SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 3 Revised January, 2010
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Unit title: Lenses 10-12
Camera controls 19
Lighting 27-34
Audio 38-41
Editing 50-53
Legal Ethical 66-67
b. Written test will pertain to Video Production knowledge (refer to suggested readings
and references for background and knowledge base)
c. Each contestant will take a written test immediately after the contest briefing.
d. The scores of both team members will be averaged and used in the team’s score.
When only one team member takes the written test the score will be divided by 2 and
entered in the team’s total score.
5. Contest Video (60 second commercial – 67.5 % of total score)
a. Each team shall shoot a video during the competition according to the directions
provided during the contest briefing. The team will be given a topic/theme for the
commercial and taken to a location for the shoot.
b. Each contestant team will shoot live-action video during the competition days.
c. The on-site shooting assignment will be team edited in the contest briefing room.
d. Complete instructions and guidelines will be provided at the pre-contest briefing.
e. Each contestant team will be required to submit an outline of their proposed on-site
video to the Technical Committee (representative) before they begin shooting. It will
be in storyboard format and will be part of the final evaluation scoring of the
commercials submitted.
f. Upon the completion of the production phase of the video each team will return to the
pre-contest briefing room to begin/continue their editing. The editing room will be
available the first evening and be opened the next morning to continue and complete
their submissions by the designated deadline. There will be no access to their
captured footage (media or equipment pending style of camera) during the overnight
break time.
g. Wisconsin SkillsUSA reserves the right to use all contest videos to promote
SkillsUSA and Technology Education.
6. Judging Procedure
a. The videos will be judged based on the same elements and guidelines used at
Nationals.
b. Each contestant will be required to take a written test covering basic video knowledge.
Elements included in the test may include knowledge of equipment, production
techniques, editing and the television broadcasting industry.
c. Clothing penalty - minus 0 to -50 points.
d. Scores on the SkillsUSA Knowledge Test will be used to break any ties. Refer to the
National contest guidelines for a sample-rating sheet.
e. Procedures presented during the contest briefing session will provide guidance to team
members during the contest event. Specific directions for the procedures to be
followed during the contest testing, storyboard development, conduct while on bus
transportation and at shoot sites, permission requests and form procurement from
actors, use of other teams equipment and time deadline exceptions will be under the
guidance and evaluation of the Technical Committee Members participating at the
time. Point deductions will be made for obvious violations towards the fair conduction
of this competition. If your team is not sure – ask.
WISCONSIN SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 4 Revised January, 2010
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Criteria for Evaluation of Contest Video
Preproduction and Planning
Includes script identifying a purpose and a clear overall message for the video. It should show
organization, answers to major questions, uses language appropriate to the audience, moves the
audience along, adds informational content, has interesting visuals, provides a sense of closure and
has an appropriate ending. A storyboard form will be included at the end of this application and
should be used to guide the planning of both video submissions.
Videography Skills
Includes camera techniques that are basic shots (close-ups, wide, medium, dolly etc.) well framed
and used appropriately. Video uses a balance of basic, and non-basic (odd angles and movement)
that are appropriate and not just “eye candy”, effective use of locations and props to frame subject
matter. Cameral lens focus and rapid camera or subject movement may affect blur, light, color and
contrast. Should show proper use of camera equipment such as tripod, lighting and recording
equipment.
Audio (Music and sound)
Audio levels should be consistent throughout the program. Music and commentary should be
included, appropriate and used effectively in the program’s opening and closing. Mixing of music with
narration should be edited and in sync with visual cues and purpose of the program.
Creative Visual and Audio Elements (special effects)
Visual and audio special effects are used appropriately and judiciously. These effects should add
value, enhance the content, and be creative and aesthetically pleasing to the viewer. These elements
should be integrated with the other elements of the video.
Editing Skills
All edits should be clean, consistent and “seamless and invisible”. Edits include appropriate shot
mix, timing, in sync with audio, correct in length, dissolves and transitions. Graphic elements text and
titles are used effectively, add value, are readable and are not just”eye candy.”
Communication Effectiveness
The video should be a cohesive program held together by effective integration of all elements
(script, video, audio, music etc.). The message and stated purpose of the video needs to be
effectively communicated.
Target Audience Interest
The video was creative and fun to watch. The pre-contest video audience is selected by the
contest team based on the criteria provided above. The contest day video audience will be
announced during the contest briefing session. The team will need to be sensitive to the target
audience age and background and design their video to meet the needs of this group.
Written Test
The test content will be based on the readings indicated above.
Clothing Penalty
There is a requirement to wear appropriate SkillsUSA attire. The scoring for this item will be 0 to -
50 points for inappropriate attire. (See page 1)
Resume Penalty
Students are required in Wisconsin and National SkillsUSA Conferences to supply resumes for
each participant. The scoring for this item will be 0 or -50 points for submitting resumes.
WISCONSIN SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 5 Revised January, 2010
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Television (Video) Production Scorecard
Items Evaluated Possible Points
Pre contest video Contest Day Video Total
Pre-production and Planning 25 75 100
Videography Skills 25 75 100
Audio 25 75 100
Creative Visual and Audio Elements 25 75 100
Editing Skills 50 150 200
Communication Effectiveness 50 150 200
Target Audience Interest 25 75 100
Written Test 100 100
Clothing Penalty 0 to –50
Resume Penalty 0 or –50
Total Possible Points 225 775 1,000
WISCONSIN SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 6 Revised January, 2010
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Television (Video) Production “Story Boards”
- Sample Template -
Name: _________________________ Page ____ of ____
Note: Wisconsin SkillsUSA State Technical Committee will provide a sample Story Board to all contestants,
HOWEVER contestants are allowed to use ANY format of Story Board they wish to bring along.
WISCONSIN SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 7 Revised January, 2010
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
National Standards and Competencies for Television (Video) Production
Taken from the National Technical Standards 2010
Utilize to prepare students for the written test and video productions
TV 1.0 — Apply the knowledge and skills necessary to describe the production overview
1.1 Describe video production careers
1.2 Explain production overview
1.3 Complete program proposal and treatment for a production
1.4 Explain the three production steps
1.4.1 Explain pre-production
1.4.2 Define the production stage
1.4.3 Explain the post-production step
1.5 Complete storyboards for a production
1.6 Define scriptwriting guidelines
1.7 Explain costing out a production
1.8 Define world video standards
1.9 Define HDTV standards
TV 2.0 — Implement the knowledge needed to describe how television works, video quality
and color
2.1 Describe fields and frames
2.2 Define interlaced and progressive scanning
2.3 Describe analog and digital signals
2.4 Describe component and composite video signals
2.5 Demonstrate use of waveform monitor and vector scope
2.6 Describe principles of color
TV 3.0 — Apply the knowledge needed to describe and demonstrate lens operation and
control
3.1 Describe the type of lenses
3.2 Define angle of view
3.3 Describe zoom ratio
3.4 Demonstrate f-stops iris
3.5 Demonstrate control of depth of field
3.6 Illustrate focusing/follow focus/rack focus/macro focus
3.7 Explain the application of filters
3.8 Explain image stabilization
TV 4.0 — Apply the knowledge and skills necessary to describe and demonstrate camera
operation and control
4.1 Define video resolution
4.2 Describe and demonstrate camera mounts and tripod use
4.3 Operate camera pan heads
4.4 Demonstrate basic camera moves (i.e., pan/tilt/dolly/truck/pedestal)
4.5 Illustrate black balancing and white balancing
4.6 Describe shutter speed
4.7 Demonstrate control of exposure through the use of f-stops
4.8 Explain frame rate
4.9 Demonstrate use of camera viewfinder
4.10 Describe safe area
WISCONSIN SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 8 Revised January, 2010
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
TV 5.0 — Implement the skills and knowledge needed for describing and demonstrating
composition
5.1 Describe form vs. content
5.2 Demonstrate insert and cutaway shots
5.3 Describe static composition
5.4 Describe dynamic composition
5.5 Define single center of interest
5.6 Describe shifting the center of interest
5.7 Demonstrate leading the subject
5.8 Describe the Rule of Thirds
5.9 Define maintaining tonal balance
5.10 Define balance of mass
5.11 Demonstrate frame central subject matter
5.12 Define controlling the number of prime objects
TV 6.0 — Apply the knowledge and skills needed to describe and demonstrate video lighting
6.1 Describe hard and soft lighting
6.2 Define color temperature
6.3 Demonstrate intensity control through varying distance
6.4 Identify lighting instruments
6.5 Identify attachments to lighting instruments
6.6 Demonstrate three point lighting (i.e., key/ fill/ back light)
6.7 Describe lighting ratios
6.8 Describe back light intensity
6.9 Describe subject-to-background distance
6.10 Describe area lighting
6.11 Apply the uses of existing (natural) light
6.12 Demonstrate drawing of a light plot
6.13 Identify lighting controls
6.14 Calculate on-location power needs
TV 7.0 — Implement the skills and knowledge needed to describe and demonstrate audio
7.1 Describe the frequency-loudness relationship
7.2 Define room acoustics
7.3 Differentiate major microphone designs
7.4 Describe directional characteristics
7.5 Define handheld and personal microphones
7.6 Position microphones
7.7 Identify audio connectors
7.8 Demonstrate positioning of microphones cables
7.9 Describe types and uses of wireless microphones
7.10 Describe phase cancellation
7.11 Describe methods of creating the stereo effect
7.12 Describe digital audio
7.13 Describe analog audio
7.14 Demonstrate operation of audio mixer controls
7.15 Describe issues of using audio from a PA system
7.16 Describe production communication systems
WISCONSIN SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 9 Revised January, 2010
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
TV 8.0 — Apply the knowledge and skills needed to describe and demonstrate video recording
media
8.1 Describe the videotape recording process
8.2 Describe hard drive based recording
8.3 Describe disk-based camcorders
8.4 Define solid state memory storage
8.5 Describe video servers
8.6 Describe consumer video formats
8.7 Define digital compression
8.7.1 Describe MPEG-2
8.7.2 Describe MPEG-4
8.7.3 Describe JPEG
8.8 List professional video formats
TV 9.0 — Apply the knowledge and skills needed to describe and demonstrate video editing
9.1 Describe continuity editing
9.2 Demonstrate continuity techniques
9.3 Demonstrate cutaways
9.4 Define relational and thematic editing
9.5 Demonstrate bridging jumps in action
9.6 Demonstrate bridging interview edits
9.7 Illustrate shooting angles
9.8 Describe or demonstrate audio continuity
9.9 Demonstrate maintaining consistency in action and detail
9.10 Demonstrate operation of software-based editors
9.11 Use linear and non-linear editing systems
9.12 Explain time-code
9.13 Define on-line and off-line editing
TV 10.0 — Apply the knowledge and skills needed to describe and demonstrate graphics
10.1 Describe titling
10.2 Describe character generator
TV 11.0 — Apply the knowledge and skills needed to describe and demonstrate location
production
11.1 Complete a location survey
11.2 Define camera placement
11.3 Illustrate microphone placement for on-location audio
11.4 Demonstrate on-location lighting techniques
11.5 Illustrate on-location production communication
11.6 Define multiple-camera production
11.7 Define single-camera production
11.8 Define film-style dramatic production
Committee Identified Academic Skills
The technical committee has identified that the following academic skills are embedded in this
contest.
WISCONSIN SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 10 Revised January, 2010
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Math Skills
 Measure angles
 Apply transformations (rotate or turn, reflect or flip, translate or slide, and dilate or scale) to
geometric figures
 Find slope of a line
Science Skills
 Use knowledge of mechanical, chemical and electrical energy
 Use knowledge of heat, light and sound energy
 Use knowledge of temperature scales, heat and heat transfer
 Use knowledge of sound and technological applications of sound waves
 Use knowledge of the nature and technological applications of light
 Use knowledge of static electricity, current electricity and circuits
Language Arts Skills
• Demonstrate use of verbal communication skills, such as word choice, pitch, feeling, tone and voice
• Analyze mass media messages
Connections to National Standards
State-level academic curriculum specialists identified the following connections to national academic
standards.
Math Standards
• Numbers and operations
• Geometry
• Measurement
• Data analysis and probability
• Problem solving
• Communication
• Connections
• Representation
Source: NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. To view high school standards,
visit: standards.nctm.org/document/chapter7/index.htm.
Select “Standards” from menu.
Science Standards
• Understands the structure and properties of matter
• Understands the sources and properties of energy
• Understands forces and motion
• Understands the nature of scientific inquiry
• Understands the scientific enterprise
Source: McREL compendium of national science standards. To view and search the compendium,
visit: www.mcrel.org/standards-benchmarks/.
WISCONSIN SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 11 Revised January, 2010
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Language Arts Standards
 Students adjust their use of spoken, written and visual language (e.g., conventions, style,
vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes
 Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process
elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes
 Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions and by
posing problems. They gather, evaluate and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g.,
print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit
their purpose and audience
 Students use spoken, written and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for
learning, enjoyment, persuasion and the exchange of information) Source: IRA/NCTE
Standards for the English Language Arts. To view the standards, visit:
www.readwritethink.org/standards/index.html.
 2010 SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards
WISCONSIN SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 12 Revised January, 2010
TECHNICAL STANDARDS